January 25 Revolution attracted the attention of the whole world because it was peaceful, said William Burns, the U.S Assistant Secretary of state for political affairs. Burns said during a press conference that Egypt is facing a lot of challenges, and that the path ahead is still long, clarifying that bringing about democratic change is a complicated process. Burns said American support for Egypt's political process will continue, and raised the necessity of lifting the emergency state in Egypt before holding parliamentary elections. He also said the U.S. will support Egypt's economic needs. "The U.S. wants to support Egypt's economy and confirms its commitment to its economic partnership with Egypt, which is now a model for everyone in the region fighting for freedom and dignity," he said. He added that American aid has benefited Egypt during the recent years and led to notable results for Egypt in the realm of education, technology and technical training. Burns said that serious discussions started regarding relations between Egypt and the U.S after the revolution. According to Burns, there is a link between Egypt's strong economy and the political change it is experiencing, so the U.S exempted Egypt from some of its debts to give it hope for a better future. The U.S will provide Egypt with other forms of aid without violating its sovereignty, said Burns. Egyptians are capable themselves of completing the process of change they started, he added. Burns commented on the recent clashes at Tahrir Square on Wednesday, and said he discussed this issue with an Egyptian official. He said that Egypt's Prime Minister, Essam Sharaf, announced that an investigation of this will be carried out and said it will be fair. Burns said that reforming security in Egypt is a top priority for the next stage of the democratic process. He said that his discussions with Marshal Mohamed Hussein Tantawi, leader of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), showed that the Egyptian military leadership is committed and suitable for the civil state. Burns also reassured of America's commitment to restore the stolen money to the Egyptian government. He also praised the current dialogue that's happening amongst Egyptians regarding the coming elections. He expressed that he was confident that the Egyptian people will choose the right representatives, and stressed that the next elections should be transparent. Regarding the revolutions occurring in the Arab world, Burns said there is not a single society that is against this change, and said the Arab revolutions will continue. The U.S. supports Arab demands of freedom, democracy, dignity and justice, he said. The U.S President, Barack Obama, expressed his support for such values during his speech which he delivered on May 19, added Burns. Burns also said his country supports the current dialogue that is occurring in Bahrain, and expressed hope for the dialogue to continue avoiding any potential conflict. He also said the U.S wants a two state solution in order to put an end to the Palestinian and Israeli conflict. He said that this proposed solution is a main part of American policies in the Middle East.
